April 11, 2020
The number of cases of Coronavirus reached 28 yesterday, and the number of cases is expected to grow in the coming weeks after the 14-day incubation period for the people in quarantine.
When cases are rising, people are advised not to be extremely fearful and anxious about the disease. Why? Hand washing and staying at home, not hysteria, will prevent the spread of COVID-19.
While in quarantine or staying at home, we should give each other moral support and friendly advice to continue going about our daily lives while taking proper and prudent precautions. It is the appropriate response to COVID-19.
It is not being entirely honest for those who insist that they are not feeling a degree of fear or anxiety and a touch of panic about the coronavirus. It is new and still largely unknown bringing long-term public risks.
And even if we’re not worried about ourselves, we’re worried about our kids, our relatives, especially if they’re older, and our friends. That’s understandable.
Adults over age 60 and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions, like heart disease or lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from the virus.
Instead of having over fear or anxiety, we should try to balance the public health and safety concerns with disruptions in daily activities. Quarantining individuals who have been exposed to the virus or who have underlying health risks are urged to adhere to prudent measures like staying at home if you feel sick, washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding crowds or visiting others homes. All of these can accentuate the COVID-19 spread.
The World Health Organization’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said recently that fear is almost as great a threat as the disease.
In this time of crisis, we are facing two pandemics. One is the Coronavirus. One is threatening, that’s societal panic causing fear and anxiety. The second could do more harm, and last longer than the first if we don’t well manage it.
To manage the fear and anxiety in the time of COVID-19, limit media exposure especially with social media, maintain normal sleeping and eating patterns, and most importantly, get your information from credible experts and sources.
These are the best ways we should use to try to protect ourselves and our communities from the infectious disease during our days of staying at home.
